Patentable/Patents/US-11270058
US-11270058

Referencing a portion of a document

PublishedMarch 8, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A mechanism for referencing a portion of a document. A method includes identifying, by a processing device of a user device, a portion of a document, the portion selected by a user of the user device. The method also includes displaying, by the processing device, the selected portion of the document as a graphical representation of an icon on the user device. The method also includes detecting, by the processing device, a reference to the icon displaying the selected portion of the document, the reference performed by the user. The method further includes providing, by the processing device, the referenced selected portion of the document associated with the icon to the user.

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method comprising: receiving, by a processing device, a user selection of a portion of first document content that is displayed in a window of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user device, wherein the first document content is part of a document; displaying, at the GUI by the processing device, in a side area of the window of the GUI an icon that references the user-selected portion of the first document content; displaying, by the processing device, second document content of the document responsive to receiving a first GUI command to scroll from the first document content to the second document content, wherein the icon is displayed in the side area of the window concurrently with the display of the first document content at the window and displayed in the side area of the window concurrently with the display of the second document content at the window; detecting, by the processing device, a reference to the icon that is displayed concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window of the GUI; and responsive to the detecting the reference to the icon that is displayed concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window of the GUI, displaying, by the processing device, the user-selected portion of the first document content concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein displaying the user-selected portion of the first document content concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window further comprises displaying the user-selected portion of the first document content as an overlay on the second document content of the document at the window, wherein the overlay of the user-selected portion of the first document content is at least partially transparent to cause a presentation of at least a portion of the second document content that is behind the overlay of the user-selected portion of the first document content.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to document display systems, specifically methods for presenting content from a first document alongside content from a second document in a single window. The problem addressed is the difficulty of comparing or referencing information from multiple documents simultaneously without switching between them or using separate windows, which can disrupt workflow and reduce efficiency. The method involves displaying a user-selected portion of the first document's content concurrently with the second document's content in a single window. The selected portion of the first document is overlaid on the second document's content, with the overlay being at least partially transparent. This transparency allows the underlying content of the second document to remain visible through the overlay, enabling users to compare or reference both documents without obscuring either. The overlay can be positioned, resized, or adjusted in opacity to optimize visibility and usability. This approach enhances document review, editing, and research tasks by providing a seamless, integrated view of related content from multiple sources.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein displaying the icon that references the user-selected portion of the first document content, further comprises displaying the icon and the first document content of the document concurrently at the window of the GUI.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for document management systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently referencing and displaying selected portions of document content within a single window. The method involves displaying an icon that represents a user-selected portion of content from a first document. The icon is displayed concurrently with the first document content in the same GUI window, allowing users to visually associate the icon with the specific content it references. This concurrent display enhances usability by providing immediate context and reducing the need to navigate between separate windows or interfaces. The method ensures that the icon and the referenced content remain visible together, improving workflow efficiency for tasks such as annotation, editing, or cross-referencing. The solution is particularly useful in applications where quick access to referenced content is critical, such as legal, academic, or collaborative document editing environments. By integrating the icon and content display within a single window, the invention streamlines user interaction and minimizes disruptions to the workflow.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reference to the icon is detected in view of an action executed on the icon.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for detecting and responding to user interactions with graphical icons in a user interface. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and processing user actions on icons, such as clicks, taps, or gestures, to trigger associated functions or workflows. The method involves monitoring a graphical user interface for user inputs and detecting when a user interacts with a displayed icon. The interaction may include selecting, hovering over, or performing a gesture on the icon. Upon detecting the interaction, the system identifies the specific icon referenced by the action and executes a predefined function or operation linked to that icon. This ensures that user inputs are correctly interpreted and processed, improving the responsiveness and accuracy of the interface. The method may also include validating the detected action to confirm it is intentional and filtering out unintended or erroneous inputs. The system can be applied in various software applications, including desktop, mobile, or web-based interfaces, where precise icon interaction detection is critical for user experience and functionality.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising storing, by the processing device, the user-selected portion of the first document content of the document at a data store.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to document processing systems that extract and store user-selected portions of digital documents. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently capturing and preserving specific content segments chosen by users from larger documents, ensuring accurate retrieval and organization for later use. The system involves a processing device that identifies and isolates a user-selected portion of content from a first document. This selected content is then stored in a data store, allowing users to access and manage the extracted information separately from the original document. The method ensures that the stored content retains its original context and formatting, facilitating seamless integration into other applications or workflows. The invention may also include additional features such as metadata tagging, version control, and collaborative editing, enhancing the usability and functionality of the stored content. By automating the extraction and storage process, the system improves efficiency and reduces errors associated with manual copying and pasting. The technology is particularly useful in environments where precise document segmentation and retrieval are critical, such as legal, academic, or enterprise settings. The stored content can be retrieved, modified, or shared without altering the original document, preserving its integrity while enabling flexible content management.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising: storing a caption corresponding to the user-selected portion of the first document content with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document, wherein the caption comprises at least one of a uniform resource locator (URL) of the document, a link to the document, a title of the document, or a heading of the document; and displaying the stored caption with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document in the icon.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to document processing systems that allow users to select and store portions of document content, such as text or images, along with contextual metadata. The problem addressed is the lack of contextual information when storing selected document content, making it difficult for users to later recall the source or relevance of the stored material. The method involves selecting a portion of content from a first document and storing it. Additionally, a caption is generated and stored alongside the selected content. The caption includes metadata such as a URL, a link to the document, the document's title, or a heading from the document. This metadata provides context about the source and relevance of the stored content. The stored content and its caption are then displayed together in an icon, allowing users to quickly identify and retrieve the information along with its source details. This ensures that users can easily recall the origin and context of the stored content when reviewing it later. The system enhances document management by preserving both the selected content and its contextual metadata in an organized and accessible manner.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 5 , further comprising: storing a location of the user-selected portion of the first document content with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document at the data store, wherein the location comprises at least one of a page number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, a line number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, a column number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, or a paragraph number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document; and displaying the stored location with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document in the icon.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to document management systems that allow users to select and store portions of content from a document, along with the precise location of that content within the document. The problem addressed is the need to track and display not just the selected content but also its specific position in the original document, such as page, line, column, or paragraph numbers. This helps users quickly reference or retrieve the original context of the stored content. The system involves storing user-selected portions of document content in a data store, where each stored portion is associated with metadata indicating its location in the original document. The location metadata can include page numbers, line numbers, column numbers, or paragraph numbers, depending on the document structure. When displaying the stored content, the system also shows the stored location information alongside the content, typically within an icon or visual representation. This allows users to easily identify where the content was originally located in the document, facilitating accurate referencing and retrieval. The invention enhances document management by preserving contextual information, making it particularly useful for research, legal, or academic applications where precise citations are required.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. A system comprising: a memory; and a processing device, operatively coupled to the memory, to: receive, by the processing device, a user selection of a portion of first document content that is displayed in a window of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user device, wherein the first document content is part of a document; display, at the GUI, in a side area of the window of the GUI an icon that references the user-selected portion of the first document content; display second document content of the document responsive to receiving a first GUI command to scroll from the first document content to the second document content, wherein the icon is displayed in the side area of the window concurrently with the display of the first document content at the window and displayed in the side area of the window concurrently with the display of the second document content at the window; detect a reference to the icon that is displayed concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window of the GUI; and responsive to the detecting the reference to the icon that is displayed concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window of the GUI, display the user-selected portion of the first document content concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window.

Plain English Translation

The system relates to document navigation and annotation within a graphical user interface (GUI) on a user device. The problem addressed is the difficulty of tracking and referencing specific portions of a document while navigating through its content, particularly when scrolling or switching between different sections. The system enhances document navigation by allowing users to mark and quickly access selected portions of a document. The system includes a memory and a processing device that receives a user selection of a portion of a document displayed in a GUI window. Upon selection, an icon is displayed in a side area of the window, referencing the selected portion. As the user scrolls or navigates to different sections of the document, the icon remains visible in the side area. When the user interacts with the icon while viewing a different section of the document, the originally selected portion is displayed alongside the current content, enabling easy comparison or reference. This ensures that users can maintain context and quickly return to key sections without losing their place in the document. The system improves efficiency in document review, editing, and analysis by providing persistent visual markers for important content.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein to display the user-selected portion of the first document content concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window, the processing device further to display the user-selected portion of the first document content as an overlay on the second document content of the document in the window, wherein the overlay of the user-selected portion of the first document content is at least partially transparent to cause a presentation of at least a portion of the second document content that is behind the overlay of the user-selected portion of the first document content.

Plain English Translation

A system for displaying document content allows a user to view a selected portion of a first document overlaid on a second document. The system includes a processing device that displays the second document in a window and enables a user to select a portion of the first document. The selected portion is then displayed as an overlay on the second document within the same window. The overlay is at least partially transparent, allowing the underlying content of the second document to remain visible through the overlay. This transparency ensures that the user can simultaneously view both the selected portion of the first document and the relevant parts of the second document, facilitating comparison or reference between the two. The system enhances document review by providing a non-intrusive way to integrate external content into the viewing experience without obscuring the primary document. The overlay can be adjusted in position, size, or transparency to optimize visibility and usability. This approach is particularly useful in applications such as legal research, academic writing, or technical documentation where cross-referencing multiple sources is necessary.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein to display the icon that references the user-selected portion of the first document content, the processing device further to display the icon and the first document of the document concurrently at the window of the GUI.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for document management systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently referencing and navigating between different sections of a document. The system provides a visual indicator, such as an icon, that represents a user-selected portion of a document's content. When a user selects a specific section of a document, the system generates and displays an icon that serves as a reference point to that section. The icon is displayed concurrently with the document in the same GUI window, allowing users to quickly access and return to the selected portion without navigating through the entire document. This improves usability by reducing the time and effort required to locate and revisit specific content within a document. The system may also support multiple such icons, enabling users to create multiple reference points within a single document or across multiple documents. The concurrent display of the icon and the document ensures that users can maintain context while navigating, enhancing productivity in document review, editing, or collaboration tasks. The invention is particularly useful in applications where precise document navigation is critical, such as legal, academic, or technical documentation workflows.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the reference to the icon is determined in view of an action executed on the icon.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing graphical user interface (GUI) elements, particularly icons, in a computing environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently tracking and referencing icons in dynamic interfaces where icons may be frequently modified, moved, or interacted with. The system includes a data structure that stores metadata associated with icons, such as their visual properties, positions, and functional attributes. The system dynamically updates this metadata in response to user interactions or system events, ensuring that references to icons remain accurate even as the interface changes. A key feature is the ability to determine a reference to an icon based on an action executed on that icon, such as a click, drag, or selection. This allows the system to maintain precise tracking of icon states and relationships, improving usability and reducing errors in icon-based workflows. The system may also include mechanisms for resolving conflicts when multiple actions affect the same icon or when references become ambiguous. The overall goal is to provide a robust and adaptive framework for managing icon interactions in complex GUI environments.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the processing device is to: store the user-selected portion of the first document content of the document at a data store; store a caption corresponding to the user-selected portion of the first document content with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document, wherein the caption comprises at least one of a uniform resource locator (URL) of the document a link to the document, a title of the document, or a heading of the document; and display the stored caption with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document in the icon.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and displaying document content selections. The system addresses the challenge of organizing and retrieving specific portions of digital documents, such as web pages or files, by allowing users to select and store segments of content along with contextual metadata. The processing device captures a user-selected portion of a document and stores it in a data store. Alongside the stored content, the system saves a caption that includes at least one of a URL, a link to the document, a title, or a heading, providing context for the stored content. The stored content and its caption are then displayed together within an icon, enabling quick access and identification of the saved information. This approach enhances document management by preserving both the selected content and its source details, facilitating efficient retrieval and reference. The system may also include features for displaying the stored content in a preview window when the icon is selected, further improving usability. The invention is particularly useful for users who need to organize and retrieve specific document excerpts while maintaining their original context.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the processing device is to: store a location of the user-selected portion of the first document content with the stored user-selected portion of the first documents content of the document at the data store, wherein the location comprises at least one of a page number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, a line number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, a column number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, or a paragraph number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document; and display the stored location with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document in the icon.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and displaying user-selected portions of document content, particularly for tracking and retrieving specific sections of documents. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently storing and accessing selected text or content from documents, ensuring users can quickly locate and reference previously highlighted or annotated portions. The system includes a processing device that stores user-selected portions of document content in a data store. When a user selects a portion of content from a document, the system records both the selected content and its precise location within the document. The location is defined by at least one of a page number, line number, column number, or paragraph number, allowing for accurate retrieval. The stored content and its location are then displayed within an icon, providing a visual representation of the selection. This enables users to easily identify and access the stored content while maintaining context through the location metadata. The system enhances document navigation and annotation management by integrating location data with the selected content, improving efficiency in reviewing and referencing document sections.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, responsive execution by a processing device, cause the processing device to: receive, by the processing device, a user selection of a portion of first document content that is displayed in a window of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user device, wherein the first document content is part of a document; display, by the processing device at the GUI, in a side area of the window of the GUI the an icon that references the user-selected portion of the first document content; display, by the processing device, second document content of the document responsive to receiving a first GUI command to scroll from the first document content to the second document content, wherein the icon is displayed in the side area of the window concurrently with the display of the first document content at the window and displayed in the side area of the window concurrently with the display of the second document content at the window; detect, by the processing device, a reference to the icon that is displayed concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window of the GUI; and responsive to the detecting the reference to the icon that is displayed concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window of the GUI, display, by the processing device, the user-selected portion of the first document content concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to document navigation in graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for user devices. The problem addressed is the difficulty of navigating between different sections of a document while maintaining context, particularly when scrolling through lengthy content. The solution involves a system that allows users to mark and reference specific portions of a document for quick access. The system receives a user selection of a portion of content displayed in a GUI window. An icon representing this selection is displayed in a side area of the window, remaining visible as the user scrolls through the document. When the user navigates to a different section of the document, the icon continues to appear in the side area. The system detects a user reference to this icon, such as a click or hover, and then displays the originally selected portion of content alongside the current document content. This allows users to compare or reference specific sections without losing their place in the document. The system ensures the icon remains visible during scrolling, providing a persistent visual marker for quick navigation. The referenced content is displayed concurrently with the current document content, enabling side-by-side comparison or context-aware navigation. This approach enhances document readability and usability, particularly for long or complex documents.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 14 , wherein to display the user-selected portion of the first document content concurrently with the second document content of the document at the window of the GUI, the processing device further to display the user-selected portion of the first document content as an overlay on the second document content of the document at the window, wherein the overlay of the user-selected portion of the first document content is at least partially transparent to cause a presentation of at least a portion of the second document content that is behind the overlay of the user-selected portion of the first document content.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) system for displaying document content, specifically addressing the challenge of presenting multiple documents or portions of documents in a single view without obscuring underlying content. The system involves a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processing device, enable a GUI to display a user-selected portion of a first document concurrently with content from a second document within the same window. The user-selected portion of the first document is displayed as an overlay on the second document's content, with the overlay being at least partially transparent. This transparency allows the underlying content of the second document to remain visible through the overlay, ensuring that both documents or document portions are accessible and readable simultaneously. The overlay can be adjusted in terms of transparency, position, or size to optimize visibility and usability. This approach enhances document comparison, annotation, or reference tasks by minimizing visual clutter while maintaining context. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring side-by-side or layered document viewing, such as legal research, coding, or academic writing.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 14 , wherein to display the icon that references the user-selected portion of the first documents content, the processing device further to display the icon and the first document content of the document concurrently at the window of the GUI.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) system for displaying document content and associated references. The problem addressed is the difficulty in managing and visually correlating user-selected portions of document content with their corresponding references, such as icons or markers, within a single view. The solution involves a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processing device, enable a GUI to display an icon representing a user-selected portion of a document's content alongside the full content of that document within the same window. This concurrent display allows users to easily identify and interact with the referenced content without navigating between separate views or interfaces. The system ensures that the icon and the document content are presented together, enhancing usability and efficiency in document review and annotation tasks. The processing device may also handle additional functionalities, such as dynamically updating the icon or content based on user interactions or document modifications. The invention improves workflows in applications requiring precise document referencing, such as legal, academic, or collaborative editing environments.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the reference to the icon is detected in view of an action executed on the icon.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for detecting and processing user interactions with graphical icons in a computing environment. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and responding to user actions involving icons displayed on a screen, such as clicks, taps, or other input gestures. The system includes a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to detect a reference to an icon in response to an action performed on the icon. The action may include a user input, such as a mouse click, touchscreen tap, or keyboard shortcut, which triggers the detection process. The system further includes a display device for rendering the icon and an input device for capturing the user action. The instructions may also enable the processor to determine the type of action executed on the icon, such as a selection, activation, or modification, and perform a corresponding function based on the detected action. This ensures that the system accurately interprets user intent and executes the appropriate response, improving user experience and system efficiency. The technology is applicable in graphical user interfaces, touch-based interfaces, and other interactive computing environments.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the processing device is further to store the user-selected portion of the first document content of the document at a data store.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing document content involves processing a first document to identify and extract a user-selected portion of its content. The system includes a processing device that receives the first document and a user selection indicating a portion of the content to be extracted. The processing device then isolates and stores this selected portion in a data store. The stored content can be retrieved and used for further processing, such as comparison with a second document. The system may also analyze the stored content to determine its relevance or similarity to other documents, enabling tasks like document comparison, plagiarism detection, or content management. The processing device may further generate a representation of the stored content, such as a summary or metadata, to facilitate efficient retrieval and analysis. The system ensures that only the user-selected portion is stored, allowing for targeted and efficient document processing. This approach is useful in applications requiring precise content extraction and storage, such as legal, academic, or business document management.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the processing device is further to: store a caption corresponding to the first user-selected portion of the first document content with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document, wherein the caption comprises at least one of a uniform resource locator (URL) of the document a link to the document, a title of the document, or a heading of the document; and display the stored caption with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document in the icon.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital document management, specifically enhancing the organization and retrieval of user-selected content from documents. The problem addressed is the difficulty in efficiently storing and accessing specific portions of documents, particularly when multiple documents are involved. The solution involves a system that allows users to select portions of document content, store those selections, and associate them with descriptive captions for easier identification. The captions may include metadata such as the document's URL, a direct link to the document, its title, or a heading from the document. These stored selections and captions are then displayed in an icon, providing a visual and textual reference to the selected content. This system improves document management by enabling users to quickly locate and retrieve specific portions of documents without navigating through entire files. The invention ensures that the stored content remains accessible and contextually relevant by linking it to the original document's metadata, facilitating better organization and retrieval in digital workflows.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the processing device is to: store a location of the user-selected portion of the first document content with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document at the data store, wherein the location comprises at least one of a page number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, a line number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, a column number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document, or a paragraph number of the user-selected portion of the first document content in the document; and display the stored location with the stored user-selected portion of the first document content of the document in the icon.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital document management systems that allow users to select and store portions of document content for later reference. The problem addressed is the difficulty in organizing and retrieving specific sections of documents, particularly in large or complex files where manual navigation is inefficient. The solution involves a machine-readable storage medium that enables a processing device to store user-selected portions of document content along with their precise locations within the document. The stored location can include a page number, line number, column number, or paragraph number, ensuring accurate retrieval. Additionally, the system displays this stored location alongside the selected content in an icon, providing users with immediate context about where the content was originally found. This feature enhances document navigation and reference efficiency by allowing users to quickly identify and return to specific sections without manual searching. The invention improves upon existing document management tools by integrating location metadata directly into the stored content, reducing the time and effort required to locate and review relevant information.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

November 29, 2012

Publication Date

March 8, 2022

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